Introduction:

A challenging trek lies ahead as you start your journey towards Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri is also known as the ‘Death Valley’, which just adds to the raw appeal of the place. Gokyo offers gorgeous blue lakes in the lap of Himalaya. Ask any real trekker or adventurer and they would tell you that the exploration of the Everest region is incomplete till you summit the beautiful Gokyo Ri. The entire region is blessed with rich natural beauty of the shimmering lakes. It is a place where you experience tranquility as you take in the 360° panoramic view the four peaks measuring above 8,000 mts.

EXPEDITION MAP:

Itinerary:

Day 01: Your Port of Embarkation to Kathmandu
A Nomadier representative will be waiting for your flight to land at Tribhuvan International Airport and welcome you to the beautiful country of Nepal. You will then be transferred to your hotel and assisted in the check-in process as well. Your expedition permits and if you book them through Nomadier, flight tickets to and from Lukla, will be handed over to you in the hotel room itself. You can choose to spend the evening roaming the streets of Kathmandu, go shopping in Thamel for your trekking/mountaineering gear and clothing or just relaxing in your room. Overnight at hotel.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and situated in a valley, approximately at a height of 4,600 ft., surrounded by four major mountains namely Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri. The city is the gateway to Nepal Tourism and the centre of the country’s economy. Its history dates back to over 2000 years ago and it was on the ancient trade route between India and Tibet which caused a fusion of artistic and architectural traditions of other cultures that can be witnessed even today.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding
Today is your flight to Lukla and our representative will transfer you to the domestic airport in Kathmandu and see you off. Your flight to Lukla and especially landing at the Lukla airport is a fair indicator of the adventure in store ahead. The airstrip at Lukla is one of the highest in the world with an altitude of 9,350 ft. (2,850 mts.) and was built by the Sherpas under the supervision of Sir Edmund Hillary who along with Tenzing Norgay was the first to climb Mt. Everest. It is very tricky for pilots to land planes here as it is one of the shortest and most dangerous airstrips in the world and has a rock wall at the end of the airstrip! On arrival, you will be met by a Nomadier representative who will introduce you to the Expedition Guide, other members in your Group and your Support Staff. He will give you basic tips and guidance and will also answer all your queries. After a light breakfast, you’ll begin your trek to Phakding.

Phakding is around half day’s walk from Lukla and this initial part of the trek is a good acclimatizer for the tougher challenges ahead. Along this route are views of Mt. Nupla (5,885 mts.) Kusum Kangaru (6,367 mts.) and the Kwongde range and you will also cross several Mani stone walls which are revered by the Buddhists. You would always pass them through from your left-hand side. These walls are made from stone tablets and carved boulders and are beautifully painted with bright colors. Overnight stay at a lodge.

Lukla
Lukla means a place having many goats and sheep but only a few are found in the area today. An old Sherpa monastery, built around the start of 19th century by Lama Kyamgon-Deltsen-Donden is situated in Lukla. Lukla also boasts of the Pasang Lhamu Nicole-Nicky Hospital which was established in honor of the first Nepalese women to summit Mount Everest, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa and the first Swiss mountain guide, Nichole Nicky.

Phakding

Phakding is located between Lukla and Namche and is a good place to stop by for a meal. It is also the first overnight stay for most trekkers in the region. Located centrally in Phakding is the Rimijung Monastery established by a Sherpa Lama, Khempo Dorje in the 16th century. The village is bisected by the Dudh Kosi or Milk River and the Pema Choeling Monastery is only a short distance away and worth visiting
.

Day 03: Phakding to Namche
The route from Phakding to Namche is along the riverbanks of the Dudh Kosi and should take you around 5-6 hours to traverse. Crossing the river on suspensions bridges, and ascending through rhododendron, magnolia and giant fir trees, you arrive at Namche Bazaar (3,441 mts.). All routes to Mt. Everest have to pass through here and hence facilities are well-developed. The town is built around a spring which acts as the only water source and has many interesting shops and vendors and exquisite views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight stay at a lodge.

Namche

Namche is a famous town in the Everest region, which every mountaineer has to pass through, on their way to Mt. Everest. The town is called Nauche by the Sherpas and is possibly derived from Nakmuche or Nakuche which mean ‘big dark forest’, something Namche once was. Today, it is the administrative headquarters of the area and boasts of an electricity system installed by UNESCO that uses separate grids for day and night usage. The Saturday Markets are a highlight and a weekly get-together for the Sherpas with trading and bartering of supplies, which have been carried up the mountain from the lower villages, in full flow.

Day 04: Rest in Namche and Sightseeing
Today is a day of rest which is very important to allow the body to get used to the altitude. You are free to walk around the village and on a clear day, take in gorgeous views of sunrises and sunsets on the snow clad mountains all around. There are many lodges in Namche with a variety of culinary delights and the yak steak is simply not worth missing. Namche also has a privately run heritage display of the traditional Sherpa lifestyle, The Sherpa Cultural Centre. Overnight stay at a lodge.

Day 05: Namche to Phortse Tanga
The trek beings with climbing the hill to Khumjung and then descends down to the beautiful valley leading to Dudh Koshi. There are two routes here to choose from. One is the yak trail which crosses a long way around the ridge and the second option is of taking a steep trail. The two routes, however, meet further up and continue towards a large stupa at the top of the ridge at 3,973 mts. This ridge descends from Khumbila. The trail, from the ridge at Mong descends in a series of steep switchbacks down the slope to Dudh Koshi. You will reach Phortse Tanga after crossing a bridge and rest for the night. Phortse Tanga meaning ‘Phortse Bridge’ is a small village at an altitude of 3,675 mts. (12,057 ft.). It supports a few lodges as almost all routes to Gokyo Ri have to pass through here, which has unfortunately also caused garbage disposal concerns.

Day 06: Phortse Tanga to Machhermo
The trek for the day entails a steep climb out of the valley and through a rhododendron forest. You would pass through the settlements of Tonga and Gyele to Dole. Form Dole you would climb to Luza via Lhabarma. The trek involves a climb along the side of the valley high above the calm serene river, as you cross sandy spurs to reach Machhermo at 4,410 mts.

Machhermo (4,410 mts. / 14,468 ft.)

Machhermo is a very relaxing spot with superb views, especially of a few little-known but beautiful mountains. Most people head directly from Machhermo to Gokyo but for acclimatization purposes, it is advisable to spend a day here and explore the surrounding area before continuing up. There are some more magnificent views and a path that leads to where the high moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier meets rock walls. To the right (east) is a milky stream, the beginnings of the Dudh Kosi. It is not advisable to cross this. A cold night, especially in winter, freezes the spray and sometimes even freezes the stream, diverting it onto the path which becomes treacherously slippery. It was in this place, in 1974, that one of the first Yeti sightings was reported in Solo-Khumbu. Overnight stay in Machhermo.

Day 07: Rest in Machhermo or hiking
Today is a day for rest. You can move around and take in the beautiful scenes or those who wish can utilize this day for hiking around Machhermo.

Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo
As you trek beyond Machhermo, you will witness the trail climb a ridge for a spell binding view both down the valley to Kantega and up towards Cho-Oyu. You would be required to move down to the river bank before beginning the steep climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. You will follow the trail that levels out as it moves along with the valley past a second lake called Longponga. From there you would climb upwards and reach Gokyo at 4,750 mts. which is a staggeringly beautiful place. The sunset view from Gokyo Ri is only one of the many reasons for visiting Gokyo. Relaxing on the lodge patios overlooking the picturesque lake is considered reward enough by some but it’s the potential for exploration that sets it apart. Climbing to the top of the Renjo / Henjo La (5417 mts. / 17,772 ft.) is exhilarating and walking up to the fifth lake here in the region and beyond can only be described as ‘out of this world’. Your overnight stay would be in Gokyo.

Day 09: Gokyo to Gokyo Ri and back
Today you start your trek towards Gokyo Ri, (Gokyo Peak), located on the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal and reputed to be the largest in the whole Himalayas. As you summit Gokyo Ri you would be able to see five 8,000 mts. peaks - Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Cho Oyu. The panorama stretches well into the distance, a blend of glaciers and grass, rock, snow and ice. Sunsets can be unforgettable here. After having completed the summit you would climb down to Gokyo. Your overnight stay would be in Gokyo.

Day 10: Gokyo to Dole
After having summited Gokyo Ri and having spent some time in the beautiful hamlet of Gokyo, you would begin your trek towards Dole. The trek back to Dole would be a pleasant one as you pass the fragrant stands of juniper and large conifers at high elevations. The trail descends steeply to reach Dole on the scenic ridge. Dole (4,040 mts. / 13,254 ft.) means ‘Many Stones’ and is a pleasant village where the yaks and naks are brought up in mid-June to graze and fertilize the soil with their dung, producing a rich crop of hay. There are a few fields of potatoes also. Overnight stay at Dole.

Day 11: Dole to Namche
From Dole you would retrace most of the journey that you undertook on your ascending trek without the side trip to Khumjung before descending down the steep path into Namche Bazaar. The trek descending to Namche Bazaar offers incredible views of the great snow peaks of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwongde peak. Overnight stay at a lodge in Namche.

Day 12: Namche to Phakding
After you are done sightseeing and shopping at Namche bazaar, you start your trek to Phakding. You would retrace your trek down along the gorge of the Dudh Kosi through Jorsale and the beautiful National Park to stay at Phakding once more. Overnight at a lodge.

Day 13: Phakding to Lukla
The trek back to Lukla would mostly be an uphill walk. When you return to Lukla you may explore the town of Lukla or visit the local attractions like ‘Thangka Painting School’ and witness first hand the students learning the art of intricate and beautiful religious paintings. In the evening you prepare for your journey to Kathmandu as you take away with you, beautiful memories that will stay with you forever. A Nomadier representative will see you off at the airport the next day.

Day 14: Lukla to Kathmandu
Back in Kathmandu, a Nomadier representative will receive you at the Domestic Airport, transfer you to your hotel and help in the check-in. The rest of the day is left free for you to recover from the recent strain or for the super-fit, walk around in the city. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a wonderful place for sightseeing and you’ll spend half of this day visiting the major and most renowned sights in the city like Pashupatinath, Bodhnath, Swayambhunath and Durbar Square. This extra day will also acts a contingency if bad weather delays your flights to Kathmandu from Lukla and reduces the chances of you having to reschedule your international flight tickets. In the evening, you can choose to go shopping for mementos and local craft as a remembrance or just relax in your room. Overnight at hotel.

Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath is Nepal’s most important Hindu temple and stands on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. The temple is located 100 mts. away from the end of the runaway at Kathmandu’s International Airport and is a powerhouse of Hindu spiritual power to where, devotees of Shiva and Sadhus flock from across the entire sub-continent. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temples but the surrounding complex of Shaivite shrines, Lingams and Ghats (stone steps) is fascinating and definitely worth the visit.

Bodhnath
Famed for its Stupa, Bodhnath pulsates with life as thousands of pilgrims gather daily to make a ritual circumnavigation of the dome beneath the watchful eyes of the Buddha. This is one of the few places in the world where Tibetan Buddhist culture is accessible and unfettered. The lanes around the Stupa are crammed with Monasteries and workshops that make butter lamps, ceremonial horns, Tibetan drums, singing bowls, plumed hats for Lamas and other essential Buddhist paraphernalia.

Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath is a place that offers one of the definitive experiences in Kathmandu. This sacred locale, a monkey temple, is always mobbed by monkeys and is a chaotic jumble of Hindu and Buddhist iconography. A gleaming white Stupa makes for its centre and is topped by a gilded spire painted with the eyes of the Buddha. What makes it an absorbing experience are the ancient carvings made into every spare inch of space and the smell of incense and butter lamps hanging heavy in the air.

Durbar Square

In history, Durbar square was the king’s seat of ruling and it is here that kings were crowned and their undisputed authority legitimized. Today, it is the traditional heart of the old town and still boasts of some of the world’s most spectacular architecture. The entire square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is made up of three loosely linked squares and many terraced platforms which make for a great spot to view Kathmandu in motion.

Day 16: Kathmandu to Your Port of Destination
Today is the last day of an exhilarating part of your life as you leave Kathmandu. A Nomadier representative will transfer you to the international airport and wish you goodbye.